The envoys of African countries in India have decided to boycott the African Day celebrations conducted by the Indian Council Of Cultural Relations (ICCR). The boycott comes in the backdrop of African nationals being subjected to discrimination and targeted violence. A lot of African students come to India to study in Universities, some in very reputed ones. The atmosphere in the universities though cordial, outside the university campuses what African students and other nationals have to face has been horrific at worst.

What is Africa Day?
Africa Day is celebrated on May 25 to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). On this day, leaders of 30 of the 32 independent African states signed a founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Incidents of violence against Africans
1. A 23 year old Congolese student was killed in New Delhi has sparked outrage among the African diaspora in India and the general populace.

2. The video of an African national who was beaten up by many people in a metro station has increased the fear among African communities in India.

Many more isolated incidents which had racial overtones had happened in various cities of India.

Response of government

Sushma Swaraj has since then been in damage control mode, she has asked her colleague Gen V K Singh to meet the African envoys and assuage their fears besides spokesperson Mr Vikas Swarup tweeted on the historical relations between Congo and India and also assured the African community in India who are benefiting pf their safety and security.

The Logical Indian appeals to all the concerned citizens of our country to take a tough stance against racism and Afro-phobia. We as Indians should empathize to the cause of Africans, we as Indian nationals have been at the receiving end of racism in various parts of the world, we can’t be the monster we intend to conquer. When Indians faced racism we sought justice to them, it is time we call for justice for the victims of Afro-phobia in India. The government should do all it can to ensure the safety of African citizens in India besides start a campaign to shun racism in India, India and Indians stand for much greater cause.

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Partner Story

An Army Colonel Is Changing Lives Of Thousand Of People From North-East Using White Bullets

Retiring after spending 32 years in the Indian Army, Col Chris Rego is helping change the destinies of hundreds of children in conflict-affected North East India through his “White Bullets” initiative. With this initiative, he hopes to bring peace and progress to communities across North East India.

Luminouswanted to bring out the Colonel’s story to the world to inspire and motivate others as it believes that education is a strong tool to empower women. It is supporting Col Rego’s cause through an initiative called #Luminaries – the brave people who stand up for causes like girl child education and make a difference in the society.

Col Rego’s journey started over a decade ago in Manipur when a tribal woman knocked on his door pleading for support for her daughter’s education. Touched by the woman’s story, Col Rego and his wife delved into their savings and arranged for the money for the girl’s education. Two years down the line, the woman returned, this time with a small pumpkin and a shawl that she had knitted, and all the money she had borrowed. Moved and realizing that their money could make lives rather than earn paltry interest, Col and Mrs. Rego embarked on a journey to arrange for sponsorship of many more underprivileged children.

Retiring from the Army, Col Rego took over as CEO of Sunbird Trust, a not-for-profit organization which he founded in 2014. The Trust now sponsor over 1,000 children in 21 locations acrossNorth East India. The centre of Sunbird Trust’s activities is at beautiful Ijeirong, Manipur.

Recognizing Col Chris’s immense work, Luminousacknowledged him as their first Luminary. Through this, they hope to bring more power to his elbow in the notable work he is doing. The Luminousteam travelled to remote Ijeirong village and installed solar products. These solar products will help in providing power to the entire campus 24/7 for the very first time.

The Logical Indian salutes Col Christopher Rego for his untiring efforts and leadership. His efforts are already having a cascading effect on people from across India joining the “White Bullets” endeavour. Quite amazingly, education, in itself so empowering, is merely a means to PEACE. We hope the path illuminated by #Luminary Col Rego and his Sunbird Trust team acts as a beacon for others to follow.

If you too have stories of change, share them with us. And if you want to connect with Colonel Rego, click here.